Apparatus



(No Mo d el 5Sheets-Sheet 1. L. K. JOHNSON & A. A. LOW. TYPE DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

No. 360,096. Patented Mar. 29, 1887.

N. FETERS. PhmwLhho rher. wzmin wn. D. c.

(No Model.) 5 Sheet s- Sheet 2. L, K. JOHNSON 82; A. A. LOW.

TYPE DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

. vN0. 360,096. Patented Mar. 29, 1887.

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3.

L. K. JOHNSON & A. A. LOW. TYPE DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

No. 360,096. Patented M... 29, 1887.

\zwygmwsasvs.

N. PETERS. Plw'wLiKN- gnplwr, Washingom ac.

(No Model.) 5 SheetsSheet 4.

L. K. JOHNSON & A. A. LOW. TYPE DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

No. 360,096. Patented Mar. 29, 1887.

N. PETERS. FholwUlhngnpher. Wilhinglnm D. C.

(No Model.) 5 Sheets Sheet 5.

L. K. JOHNSON 8: A. A. LOW. TYPE DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

No. 360,096. Patented Ma.1-.29, 1887.

N. PETERS. Phulo-Lflhugmphcr, Wishingwn, D. c.

ihsiTnn STATES PATENT Orrice,

LOUIS K. JOHNSON AND A. AUGUSTUS LOlV, OF BROOKLYN, ASSIGNORS TO THE ALDE) TYPE MACHINE COMPANY, OF NE\V YORK, N. Y.

TYPE-DlSTRlBUTlNG APPARATUS.

fiPE CIEICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 360,096, dated March 29. 1887.

Application filed February 13, 1886. Serial No. 191824. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, LOUIS K. JOHNSON and A. AUGUSTUS LOW, citizens of the United States, residing in the city of Brooklyn, in the 5 county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type-Distributing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

Our improvements relate to the class of typedistributing apparatus in which the types are dropped by hand upon receiving-plates, which are formed with grooves through which the types pass to an intermediate conduit-plate, from which latter they are transferred to the i type-containing channels for use in the setteri case.

As heretofore constructed by us distributing apparatus has been made in the duplex form, a vibrating pusher being arranged between two series of type-containing channels, so as to forward the types alternately in each. The distributingapparatus has also been made double, in the sense that provision has been made for the accommodation of two complete sets of receiving-plates, conduits, and containing-channels arranged with relation to a single vibrating pusher, the set being reversed in position upon opposite sides of the apparatus, so that two operators can work simultaneously,

0' but separate and independently.

In connection with our method of distribution each distributer is provided with a type-' line separator, technically known as a breaker, in which the columns of type to be distributed are placed, as fully set forth in Letters Patent No. 277,740, dated May 15, 1883. In order to facilitate the process of distribution it is desirable that these breakers should be so situated with relation to the receiving- 0 plates and the position of the operator. that the hand of the latter can conveniently and naturally grasp and remove the types from the breaker and drop them into their respective cups or receivers in the said plates with the 5 least possible expenditure of time and move IUBDY.

A novel feature in our present construc tion of double distributor consists in an arch or bridge which extends diagonally over both sets of distributingreccivers, and is formed with sockets for the reception of the vertical trunnions formed upon the base of the break ers. By this means we are enabled to arrange the breakers directly over the receiving-plates and facing the operator, so that the hand of the latter has only to travel a very short distance in order to procure fresh types for distribution. In this connection a novel feature of construction consists in the use of Italic or odd-sort line holders mounted upon the bridge above mentioned, into which words or lines of Italics or other odd sorts not belonging to the style of type under distribution, and therefore not provided for in the receivers below, may be temporarily stored preparatory to their removal and distribution into their appropriate channels orcases. These line-holders consist each of a removable tray formed with narrow grooves or compartments for the reception and support of the lines of type, and with lugs or projections which engage notches in the sup porting-racks attached to the bridge. The trays may be conveniently held in the left hand while distributing the type therefrom.

Another feature of our present construction consists in providing each receiving-plate with an independent adj ustable guard,situated over and projecting more or less into the receivers or cups, for the purpose of regulating the descent of the types upon their flat sides. By making the guard adj ustablc with relation to the fioors of the receivers we are enabled to adapt the receiving-plates to the distribution of various sizes of types.

The receiving-plates are stam pcd outof sheet metal, and their lower extremities are bent or curved downward, so as to gradually change the angle of the types as they approach and enter the intermediate or vertical conduitplates. Since this curve or bend is preferably nearly equal in each plate, and since the plates are of different widths, it necessarily follows that when they are superposed they will come in contact with each other only at or ncartheir upper and lower edges, as illustrated in Fig. 4, so that a space of varying area will be left between.

In order to insure the proper descent of the types through the channels in the receivingplatcs, it is desirable that they shall be positively confined therein. This is especially the case as they approach the lower curved ends of the plates, and to obviate all danger of dis, placement or derangement we employ in conjunction with each plate an intermediate or auxiliary plate, which rests snugly overvthe greater portion of the typegrooves, and by its projection more or less around the curved end of the plate governs the point at which the types are released. In order to more effectually regulate and control the release or discharge of the types from the lower curved ends of the receiving-platesas just indicated, we make the intermediate or auxiliary plates adjustable upon the receiving-plates in such manner that their loweredges may beregulated in position with relation to the lower edges of the receivers.

In order to effect the accurate register or coincidence between the lower ends of the typegrooves in the receiving-plates with the appropriate typeconduits in either the face-plate or the vertical conduit-plates, against which they abut, we make the receiving-plates individually and independently adjustablelongitudinally by means of set -screws or similar well-known means, by which the plates may be secured and held in the prescribed position after adjustment, thus also obviatingall possible-looseness or play. The importance of thus accurately securing and preserving the coincidence of all the type-passages will be obvious when it is considered that any deviation from such perfect alignment. necessarily.implies sharp corners or shoulders protruded in the path of the type, which tend to stop or derange the latter.

An important feature of our invention con sists in providingthe bank of receiving-plates with a common face -plate intermediate between their lower extremities and the front of the vertical conduit plate, against whiehit abuts, said face or intermediate plate being formed with tongues or ridges, which form continuations of the receiver-plate-channel floors and project more orless into the conduits in the vertical plate, according to the thickness of the types to be distributed. Thus, for the smaller types, the tongues or projections are adjusted so as toprojeet intothe conduits to zero or to form the narrowest channel, while for the larger types they are withdrawn more or less in proportion to the increase in the size of the types.

\Ve are aware that in our application No. 131,261, filed May 12', 1884, we show and describe tongues and continuations of the floors of the receiving-plate channels projectinginto the conduits in the conduit-plates, and also means for regulating their position with relation to the latter, and we do not herein seek to claim such construction or adjustment, broadly, the novelty in the present case consisting in the use of a common intermediate plate formed with tonguesor ridges which extend to the bottom of the conduit-plates or to the'top of the front guard thereon, so that the conduits in the conduit-plates are completely covered and inelosed from the point of en trance of the type to the type-containing channels below. By this means the types are positivel y controlled from the time they leave the receiversor cups in the receiving-plates until they are deposited in the containing channels. In this connection'it maybe stated that we also, when desirable, make the individual tongues or ribs upon the intermediate plate relatively of different degrees of projection,

plate, for the purpose of compensating forthcdifferences in the thickness of the sizes or styles of type which itis requiredto distribute through the apparatus, the inner side of the guard being formed with projections or ribs annular to and corresponding with those. formed upon theintermediate plate described above. I

.7 Heretofore, in our application for patent, No. 156,60l, we have made provision for preventing the retractile movement or back- .lash of. the types after they have entered the containing-channels, which means consists in a slight shoulder or deviation formed near the end of the typecontaining channel sufficient to afford resistance against the return of the types after they have once been forwarded beyond that point.

The construction referred to is effective in preventing backlash in the columns of type beyond the said lateral deviation; but in some cases the lateral deviation in the type-containing channels may be objectionable, and even when such is not the case there is still neces:

sarily a space between such deviation and the front of the conduit-plate, in which the latest types are apt to vibrate back and forthwith the pusher until advanced in turn by the descent of the succeeding types. This vibration of the last type is apt to expose its head or face to the impact of the heel of the next succeeding type as the latter falls through the vertical conduit, thereby not only causing injury to the face of one type, but deranging. the position of the other. Ne obviate this danger by means of a series of separate and independently-acting checks arranged immediately in front of the lower extremity of the vertical conduit-plate and just above the inner or receiving ends of the type-containing channels. Each conduit is provided with one of these checks, which act as an automatic gate, allowing a type to pass underneath it and into the type-containing channel while under the impulse of the I typerforwarder, but resisting its-return. By this means each type is checked and sustained in a steady upright position practically as soon as it reaches the bottom of the vertical conduit, since the continuous vibratory movement of the forwarder will pass it beyond the gate or check before another type can descend upon it.

Our present invention also embodies a new means for transferring the typesfrom the vertical conduits'iuto the type-containing chan nels and of forwarding them within the latter.

' Heretofore we have used a vibratory doublecomb pusher for effecting this result, the teeth of which projected into and through the con duits at every vibration. Thus during a portion of the time the lower extremity of each conduit was occupied by a rectangular moving floor or bottom, the motion of which tended constantly to derange types descending thereon, especially during the withdrawal of the pushertooth. \Ve obviate this difiiculty by making the lower extremity ofeach of the conduitplates in the form of a hinged or swinging section having tongues or continuations of the conduit-floors, which, when the sections are vibrated by suitable means, enter and forward the types in the type-containing channels. These movable lowersections of the conduitplates may be made to vibrate back and forth by any suitable means, by linking them to a plate made to reciprocate by means of a crank or eccentric, in the same manner as our old form of double-comb pusher. The extent of vibration is such that the tongues or extensions of the conduitfloors at one extremity of the stroke are in line with the latter, while at the other extremity of the stroke their extreme lower ends project forward sufficiently to push the types the requisite distance into the typecontaining channels. It will be observed that by this arrangement a type descending during the forward movementof the forwarding tongues will encounter an inclined surface, which, instead of tending to cause rebound or derangement, will instead tend to gently check or break the fall or inertia of the descending type and guide its heel squarely against the sides of the last preceding type, thus preventing its turning upon its longitudinal axis.

\Ve are aware that in patents to Fraser, Nos. 224,166 and 226,297, movable type-defiectors in the channels and loose vibratory tongues (Z in the ends of conduits are shown; but such features are not the equivalent of our invention in this respect, the essential feature herein being the positive reciprocation of the lower ends of the typeconduits for the purpose of forwarding the types into the containing'chanuels direct, dispensing entirely with the independent reciprocating pusher, indispensableintheFraserapparatus. Thepositive vibration of the lower portions of our conduit-floors also obviates thedangcr of clogging or retardation of types, which is liable to occur inpractice where a weighted obstruction a plan of a duplex type-distributing apparatus, showing the relative arrangements of parts upon the bed of the apparatus, one of the receiving-banks being withdrawn from its conduit-plate. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same, showing the lower portions of the breaker-standards in position upon the bridge. In both Figs. 1 and 2 the minor details of constructionas the receivers, grooves in the conduit-plates, Sac-are omitted, since the general construction is the same as that shown and described in our last application, No. 171,366, to which reference may be had. Fig. 3 is a plan of one of the type-receiving plates and its auxiliary plate or cover and a horizontal section of the vertical conduit-plateadjoining. Fig. 4 is a frontview of the receiver face-plate, showing the offsets, which conform to the differences in position vertically between the ends of the type-channels in the receiverplates, and showing the tongues or ribs which form continuations of the said channel-floors. Fig. 5 is a transverse section of a receiverplate on plane of line a 00, Fig. 3, showing the adjustable type-guard. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of three superposed type-receiving plates and the adjoining portion of the vertical conduit-plate; Fig. 7, a front view of one of the vertical conduit-plates with lower guard, and Fig. 8 a top View of the same; Fig. 9, a vertical section, upon a larger scale, of the lower end of a vertical conduit with individual checks or gates, &c., and adjoining parts; Figs. 10, 11, and 12, sectional views illustrating the construction of the individual type-checks; Fig. 13, a vertical section through the conduit-plates, &c., showing means for forwarding the types; Figs. 14, 15, and 16, de tail views of the new form of type-containing channels. Fig. 17 is a front elevation of the lower vibrating section of the conduit-plate; Fig. 18, a vertical section similar to Fig. 9, showing a modification in the form of individual check; Fig. 19, a sectional view upon plane of line z 2, Fig. 18, further illustrating such modified construction.

In general construction and operation our apparatus is substantially the same as that shown and described in our last application, No. 171,366, filed July 11, 1885,1'01' patent upon this subject, two complete cases, (J 0, being arranged upon one bed, A, the cases be ing reversed in position and-arranged upon opposite sides of the bed A. The vertical conduitplatcs B B, arranged back to back and extending centrally across the bed A, are also common to the application named, as is the general arrangement of the superposed receiving-plates R upon sliding carriages or frames It. Extending diagonally over, across,and be tween the two cases C and G is an arch or bridge, D, secured to suitable standards, D D, mounted upon opposite ends of thebed A. In

positions adjoining to and above the receivingplates B, when in position against the vertical conduit-plates B B, the bridge D is formed with sockets d d, for the reception of the ver-.

The sockets or bearing are preierablyprovided with set-screws d, for securing each breaker in the desired position.

Mounted upon the bridge within convenient reach of the operators are racks I 1, into which fit trays J J, which are formed with lugs j j, which enter notches z 6, formed in the racks I, when the trays J J are placed in position. Each tray is formed with a series of grooves-or compartments, jj, for the reception of lines of type. vAs before indicated, the trays are designed for the temporary storage and transfer of words or lines of Italic or other odd sorts of types. By thus arranging both the breakers and the odd-sort trays upon the bridge D the operator is not required to leave his position in front of the receivingplates R for the purpose of securing matter for distributing, or on account of the occurrence of characters for which no .provision exists in the case proper.

The receiving-plates R are made of sheet metal, shaped under pressure, with the usual series of cups or receivers, 1", and conduits r. Extending across the upper part of each plate, and above the lower parts of the receivers or cupsr, we arrange adjustable guards V, formed with tongues or extensions which project downward into the receivers 0' more or less, according to the thickness of types to be dis tributed. The adjustment may be effected in any convenient manner, the means shown in the drawings consisting in set-screws o c at either extremity, which screw into the receiving-plates, with intermediate binding-screws, c, which bear against the surfaces of the plates, and thereby lock the device in the position allowed by the set-screws.

Heretofore,asin our application No. 131,261, filed May 12, 1884, we have made provision for regulating the descent of the types upon their flat sides by projections entering the cups or receivers; but in such case the projections formed a part ofthe receiving-plates abovc,the plates themselves being relatively adjustable. We do not seek to cover herein, broadly, an adjustable guard at this point; but since it is not always desirable to make the plates adjustable, we have designed ascparate and distinct guard for the purpose, which is independently adjustable. As heretofore, the plates R are supported upon the carriage It between posts It or other means of lateral support, their lower edges resting against the rear side of the face-plate F.

At points coincidingwith thcpositions ofeach of the several receivingplates B set-screws r 1* pass through the posts, so that they may be made to bear against opposite ends of the plates and afford a means ofadj usting the channels r in the latter into accurate registration with the tongues or ribsf in the faceplate F,

parts.

and hence with the conduits b in the vertical plates B, and maintaining such relation of This arrangement isillustrate'd in Fig. 3, although it is obvious that other means of adjustment may be used with like result in lieu of the set-screws shown.

The face-plate F is secured to or formed upon the front of the carriage B, and is formed with a series of offsets, f, as shown in Fig. 4, corresponding in position to the lower ends of the receiver-channels r in the receiver-plates Bat the rear thereof. Bibs or tonguesff commence at the top of each'step or offset f, where they coincide in position with and form continuations of the floors of the said type-channels r, from which point they extend downward to the bottom of the face-plate F. These ribsf project more or less into the conduits b in the vertical conduits B when the carriage B is moved forward until stopped by contact with adjustable buffers H, or other means for regulating the distance to be maintained between the face-plate F and the conduit-platev B. The ribs f are preferably made relatively of different degrees ofprojection from the faceplate F, according to the thickness of the particular characters of type that are to pass over them, so that the inclosed spaces or channels formed between them and the bottoms of the conduits b in the vertical conduit-plates will be but slightly larger in cross-section than the cross-section of-such types. This is shown in Fig. 3. The carriages slide back and forth upon parallel ways or-in grooves r 1", formed upon the bed A of the apparatus.

Owing to the difference in width of the several receiving-plates and to their curved form, there is a space, s, formed between the adjoining plates when they are superposed, as indieated in Fig. 6.

In order to protect and confine the types,

during their passage. through the channels 1, we therefore provide each receiving-plate with an auxiliary plate or cover, S,which conforms to and rests snugly upon the top of the receiving-plate below. The lower edges, 8, of these intermediate plates or covers, S, terminate a short distance above the lower extremities of the receiving-plates. Below the edges of the covers S the types are free to assume vertical positions as they enter the conduits b in the vertical plates B. It is therefore obvious that the position of the lower edges,s,of the covers S will havea controlling effect upon the descent -of the types,and for this reason we make the covers S adjustable to a slight extent upon their respective receiving-plates, as illustrated, for instance, in Fig. 3, by the use of set-screws sfipassing through elongated slots 5 formed in the covers S. By this meanswe are' enabled to regulate the position of the lower edge,s',of each cover S accurately with reference to the size and style of type in use, so as to control the drop or fall into the conduits. The plates B and S are held down upon the carriage R by screw-nuts r, which engagethreads formed upon the upper extremities of the posts B.

In front and at the lower extremity of the vertical conduit-plates, and below the position of the lower edge of the face-plate F, when in position against the conduit-plate, we arrange a foot-guard, G, which extends down to the type-containing channels L. This guard is preferably held in position in such manner that it may be swung upward or out of position, as shown in Fig. 7. It is also desirable to make it adjustable with relation to the face of the conduit-plate,for the purpose of adaptng the apparatus to different sizes of type,the inner side of the guard G being formed with tongues or projections g r ,which correspond to and coincide with ribsfupon the faceplate above. This may be done without preventing 1ts being swung out ofposition,as above stated, when necessary to gain access to the lower parts of the conduits b, by supporting it at either extremity between the ends of two opposed serews, g g, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Thus, by retracting one screw and advancing the other at either end ,the guard may be varied slightly in position with relation to the face of the conduit-plate,and by using pointed screws g g", entering slight depressions at one end of the guide G, the latter may, by slightly loosening one of the screws at the other extremity, be readily swung outward and upward, as indicated in Fig. 7. This guard G may consist of a plain strip of metal, as shown in Figs. 7 and S; but we prefer to form it with a series of compartments or recesses, 9* gflwhich coincide in position with the conduits Z) in the vertical conduit-plates B. In these recesses g g are situated small balls gflwhieh rest in and project partially through smaller circular openings or seats, 9 g, formed in the under side of the guard G. The lower portions of the balls thus protruding through the lower port-ion of the guard G are directly in the path of the heads of the types as they are transferred into the months of the type-containing channels L by the type-forwarding .mechanism.

XVhen a type is advanced under the action of the forwarder, its head encounters the protruding portion of the ball opposite that particular conduit 1), and elevates the ball in its recess while passing underneath, when the ball again falls back upon its seat and acts as a check to resist any tendencyon the part of the type to follow or fall back after the forwarder during and after the retractile movement of the latter.

The balls 9 9 may be free to revolve in any direction, so that they readily adapt themselves to contact from any angle, and as they roll over the faces of the types all objectionable friction is avoided, and the faces of the types are preserved from wear or injury.

It is to be observed that the resistance afforded by a comparatively small light ball will be sufficient to sustain the type in an upright position until forwarded by the advance of succeeding types, since the back-pressure exerted by a type in a vertical or nearly vertical position will be comparatively slight, the last types being relieved of the back lash or pressure of the column of the type in the containing-channel by the shoulder or deviation in the containing-channel itself, as in our application No. 156,604.

The balls may be made of cork, pith, or other soft material, or of harder material rendered smooth upon the surface, and where the weight of one would be insufticient to sustain the type, two or more may be placed in one recess, resting one upon the other; or the same result may be effected by the use of a light spiral spring, as illustrated in Fig. 12. Instead of the balls shown, the checks may consist of small wheels arranged so that their peripheries will revolve in the direction of the type-channels, and having their axes resting in elongated "ertical slots, which will permit of the vertical movement of the checks. This modified form of individual check is shown in Figs. 18 and 19, in which the axes a: of the disks rest upon seats formed at the bottoms of the vertical grooves g provided in the guard G.

It is to be observed that each check or gate is separate and independent of the others, both in situation and operation, so that they may be designated as individual checks, G, the majority of which are at rest while the others are in operation. By this means the last types are sustained continuously until forwarded, whereas in the case of a single common gate or check similar to that shown in our application No. 156,604 the last preceding types in all the channels were unsustained while the check was elevated to allow the entrance of succeeding types into a few only of the channels. 7

For the purpose of avoiding all open spaces, sharp corners, 810., and rendering the sides of the type-passages uniform and continuous throughout, we make the receiving ends of the containing-channels with side walls of uniform height, so that both said walls will reach up to and form continuations of the conduit side walls. The rest of each channel is formed with a low or narrow wall upon one side, (the side which constitutes the face when in the setter-case, and from which the types are drawn transversely,) as heretofore, for the purpose of exposing to view and giving access to the types contained in the channels.

In lieu of the old form of double vibrating comb-pusher, the types are transferable to and forward in the channels by the lower extremities of the conduit-floors, which in this case are made to vibrate back and forth for the purpose. In order to effect this with simplicity we make each conduit-plate B in two sections, the upper one, I), stationary, as heretofore, while the lower section,b ,is pivoted or hinged to or in connection with the upper one, I), by means which will permit of its vibration thereon without interfering with the continuation of the conduit-floors.

The lower ends of the conduit-floors have IIO heretofore been extended so as to project into the receiving ends of the type-containing channels, and have also been used as type-forwarders, as in the application for patentof A. Augustus Low, No. 159,693, in which a combined type receiver and forwarder is reciprocated longitudinally by hand upon a typecontaining channel; but in the present case the invention consists in forming the conduitplate in two parts, pivotally connected, the lower part, I), being made to vibrate continuously and mechanically independent of the upper part, b, which is stationary under all circumstances. The lower edge of the lower section, b", is in the form of a comb, the teeth of which constitute continuations of the floors of the conduits b above, while the spaces between afford accommodation for the side walls of the type-containing channels below.

The vibration of the lower sections, N, of the conduits may be effected either directly or indirectly by any suitable means, that shown in the drawings consisting in connecting them by means of links 1) with a plate, 1?, which is reciprocated by cranks or eccentrics Q, through the medium of a pitman, q. This pushen'plate I? in construction and operation is substantially the same as our old form of pusher, except that it has no pusher-teeth and simply transmits its motion to the lower ends of the conduit-plates, which act in lieu of the said pusher-teeth. By this means we not only obviate any evil effects of the descent of the types upon the type-forwarder, but also economize in the cost of the apparatus, since the two rows of pusher-teeth formerly necessary are dispensed with.

As shown in the drawings, the vibrating lower sections, 11 of the conduit-plate B are formed by rigidly securing the tongues (or prolongations of the conduit-floors) b to the rock-shaft b, pivotally suspended at the rear of the conduits and at opposite extremities thereof, so that the links 19 may be connected to any of the tongues I) or to a crankarm at either extremity, the result being the same.

"What we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a duplex type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as described, the diagonal bridge D D D, secured to the table of the apparatusand formed with the sockets d d, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

2. In a duplex type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as described, the diagonal bridge D D D, secured to the table of the apparatus and formed with the inclined brackets I, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

3. The rack 1, formed with the notches z, in combination with the type-tray J, formed with the lugs j, for engaging with the said notches 2', for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

4. ,In a typedistributing apparatus, substantially such as herein designated, the combination, with a reeeiving-plate, of an independent adjustable guard for the purpose of regulating the passage of the types from the receivers or cups into the type-channels, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

5. In a type-distributing apparatus, substanti ally such as herein designated, in combination with a type'reeeiving plate, B, formed .with the receivers-r and channels 9', the guard V, formed with tongues which project downward into the receivers, and attached to the receiving-plate byset-screws v v and bindingscrew 12, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

6. In a type-distributing apparatus, sub stantially such as described, the combination,

with a typereceiving plate formed with receivers and channels, substantially as described, of a cover or auxiliary plate for inclosing the said channels, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

7. In a typedistributing apparatus, sub stantially such as described, the combination,

with a typereceiving plate formed with receivers and channels, substantially as designated, of a cover or auxiliauy plate which is adjustable upon the said type receiving plate, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described. v

8. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially as described, the combination, with the superposed receiving-plates, arranged and mounted upon a carriage or frame, substantially as desig'natedfof means for adjusting the said platesindividually and laterally, for

the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

9. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as designated, in combination with a series of superposed type-receiving plates formed with receivers and channels and mounted upon a common frame or carriage, substantially as designated, a common faceplate formed with a series of tongues or ribs which form continuations of the floors of the type-channels formed in the said plates, the whole arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

10. In a typedistributing apparatus, sub stantially such as designated, a series of typereceivingplates 'provided with a common faceplate formed with eontinuations of the type- IIC channel floors, the tongues or ribs which form such continuations being made of different degrees of projection corresponding to the difference in thickness between the characters of type, in combination with a conduit-plate, into the type-channels of which projections or ribs protrude, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

11. In a type-distributing apparatus,- substantially such as designated, the combination, with a series of superposed type-receiving plates provided with a common faceplate formed with projections or ribs which constitute'contim ations of the floors of the typechannels in the said receiving-plates, and with a conduit-plate, into the channels of which the said projections or ribs upon the face-plate enter, substantially as described, of means for regulating and adjusting the positions of the said face-plate and conduit-plate with relation to each other, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

12. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as designated, in combination with a series of superposed receivingplates mounted upon a common carriage or frame and provided with a common face-plate, and in combination with conduit-plate for receiving the types from the said receivingplate, a guard arranged upon the front of the said conduit-plate belowthe lower edge of the receiver faceplate, substantiallyin the manner and for the purpose described.

13. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as described, in combination with a series of superposed type-receiving plates provided with a common face-plate, substantially as described,and with avertical con duit-plate for receiving the types from the said faceplate, a guard secured to the lower front partofthesaidvertical conduit-plateby means, substantially such as described, which permit of its being swung vertically out of position, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

14. In a typedistributing apparatus, substantially such as designated, the combination, with a series of superposed type-receiving plates provided with a common face-plate, substantially such as described, and with a vertical conduit-platc for receiving the types from the said face-plate, and a guard situated below the said face-plate and at the lower extremity of the said vertical plate, of means, substantially such as described, for adjusting the said guard horizontally with relation to the vertical cOnduitpIatc, for the purpose and substantiall y in the manner described.

15. In a type-distributing apparatus, sub stantially such as described, in combination with a series of superposed type-receiving plates provided with a common face-plate, substantially as described, and in combination with a conduit-plate for receiving the type from the said face-plate, a guard situated in front of the lower portion of the conduit-plate and formed. with tongues or projections which enter the conduits in the conduit plate, said tongues being formed of different degrees of projection to conform to the tongues or ribs upon the face-plate above, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

16. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as designated, in combination with a conduit-plate adapted to conduct the types into the type-containing channels below, and in combination with mechanism for forwarding the types in the said type-containing channels, a series of separate and independent type checks or gates situated at the lower front side of the conduit-plate for the purpose of preventing any retraetile movement in the types, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

17. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as designated, in combination with a conduit-plate adapted to conduct the type into type-containing channels below, and in combination with mechanism for forwarding the types in said type-containing channels, a series of separate and independent type checks or gates situated at the lower front side of the conduit-plate, consisting of a series of balls arranged in a series of recesses or compartments in such manner that portions of their peripheries project downward into the paths of the types to be forwarded, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

18. In a type-distributing apparatus, substantially such as described, the combination of a series of type-containing channels, a vertical type-conduit plate, the upper portionof which is stationary and the lower-portion of which is pivotally connected to the upper portion, and a reciprocating plate and connect ing-rod for vibrating the said lower section, sullstantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

LOUIS K. JOHNSON. A. AUGUSTUS LOW. \Vitnesses:

WM. GARDNER, Gno. XV. hIIATT. 

